Aleix Mercader,
23 October 2021
Dozens of mossos (Catalan police) and local policemen have demonstrated this Saturday in favor of “professional dignity” and against the lack of institutional support from the Generalitat. The mobilization takes place after the wave of attacks against public servants and in full debate on the police model in Catalonia. Source: Lorena Sopena – EP
Demonstration of police self-defense against the Government.
Dozens of Mossos d’Esquadra agents (Catalan police) and different municipal police corps have gathered in front of Catalan Parliament to denounce the lack of institutional support after the wave of attacks against public servants.
Likewise, those in charge of ensuring public safety have taken to the streets concerned about the debate on the police model opened by the Catalan Executive. In recent months, the Generalitat has also dismantled the legal team that defended the Mossos d’Esquadra against malpractice lawsuits and has been unable to contain the scenes of incitement caused by the ‘street drinking’.
Warning
Hence, the uniformed men have defended the “dignity” of the police and have demanded “respect” for their work on the streets. “That today the police in Catalonia takes to the streets must serve as a minimum to give a general call of attention to all those who also represent us,” the organizers have warned in a manifesto.
In addition, they recalled that the Catalan chamber itself has promised to support the work of the mossos and local police. “The Parliament, in compliance with its own resolutions, must promote the isolation and social rejection of urban violence and public disorder. And having seen the last episodes it is evident that this has not been the case,” laments the text.
Veiled criticism of the CUP
The protesters have criticized the “constant politicization of our profession” and the “partisan use to wear down the government of the day.” The workers lament the “attrition” that has occurred in recent months as a result of the attacks against the police.
In turn, the agents have also asked for caution before the review of the police model, a question opened by the Government after its investiture pact with the CUP. “The debate on the police model must represent in its conclusions the vast majority of citizens who do not see the Catalan police as an enemy, but as a professional group that guarantees collective security,” the statement said.
Union complaints
Speaking to the media, the spokesman for the Mossos d’Esquadra SPC union, David Miquel, has warned of a “feeling of impunity”, to which he has asked for a reaction from the political representatives. The spokesman for the Mossos Uspac union, Albert Palacio, has demanded “tools to confront anti-social behavior” and attacks, in addition to applying the Penal Code.
On its behalf, Sap-Fepol spokesperson, Imma Viudes, has defended that “no union is afraid that politicians, not even the CUP,” preside over the committee to study the police model in Parliament.
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